The range offers the highest level of safety, while the exceptional measurement performance of the newly developed radar chip also increases the productivity of industrial processes

The users of level measuring technology in the chemical and oil and gas industries know how important it is to increase plant and process productivity while ensuring the highest level of safety. There are often very specific needs and requirements at play here.

The new generation of Endress+Hauser’s Micropilot 80 GHz free-space radar sensors meets the individual requirements of customers for simplicity, smart safety, and increased efficiency.

New communication technologies such as Ethernet-APL prepare plants for the future, while Heartbeat Technology increases the productivity of processes.

The broad product portfolio offers solutions for any application; in the primaries, chemical and oil and gas industries, as well as in power plants and the energy sector.

BENEFITS

• Simplicity: Only a short period of training is required to use the devices in the Micropilot range. Operation is simple and intuitive and takes place in real time. Wizards guide the user through commissioning and function checks.

• Smart safety: The radar range ensures functional and staff safety, thanks to guided commissioning or proof testing with wizards and the simple transmission of parameters via HistoROM. Customers also benefit from Endress+Hauser’s more than 20 years of Safety Integrity Level (SIL) expertise.

• Increased productivity: Heartbeat Technology offers process monitoring, diagnostic and verification functions. Permanent process diagnostics and self-diagnostics as well as predictive maintenance reduce plant downtime.

• Performance: Endress+Hauser’s new generation of 80 GHz radar sensors combines maximum accuracy provided by a new radar chip with the 80 GHz radar technology to deliver excellent radar measuring technology that can be used in a wide range of applications.

• Future-proof: The devices are prepared for digital transformation and Industry 4.0. For example, thanks to state-of-the-art communication options such as Ethernet-APL, which enable high-speed data transmission, as well as increased plant availability.

MAXIMUM SAFETY FOR STAFF, PLANTS AND PROCESSES

Systematic errors, inadvertent operating errors or process anomalies under harsh conditions are some of the many safety risks, and each plant has its own unique requirements.

The new Micropilot radar family meets all the safety requirements of the chemical, and oil and gas industries thanks to the new design of the 80 GHz radar devices.

The new generation has been developed in accordance with IEC 61508 with the result that it can be deployed directly in SIL 2 circuits. It can even be used in SIL3 circuits, for example, with homogenous redundancy.

Malfunctions in plants often have serious consequences for the environment, people, and equipment.

Due to the in-depth SIL expertise of Endress+Hauser, a pioneer in SIL compliance, the safety risks can be systematically reduced and testing costs effectively decreased.

The easy and safe operability of the newly developed user interface is another factor in its success. No significant training is required to avail of the intuitive operation.

In the case of safety-related processes, integrated assistants (wizards) ensure error-free and safe commissioning and SIL locking of the measuring devices.

When performing proof-testing too, assistants (wizards) save time and eliminate errors. Inadvertent operating errors are thus virtually eliminated and optimal and safe functioning of the measuring technology and therefore safe plant operation are always guaranteed.

Furthermore, undervoltage detection prevents the occurrence of dangerous plant conditions.

The technology also reduces typical risks posed by dangerous substances, harsh environments, or potential explosions to an absolute minimum. For example, staff always remain outside the danger zone during analyses, controls, maintenance, and inspections.

This is because all tasks can be carried out remotely via Bluetooth® and the SmartBlue app from Endress+Hauser and, for the first time, quickly and easily via the integrated web server using Ethernet APL. This is also of benefit in areas that are difficult to access.

Even the convenient, wireless remote access itself meets the highest safety requirements. For the protection of passwords, Endress+Hauser has developed an additional safety level for Bluetooth®, the core component of which is CPace.

CPace prevents attacks during Bluetooth® pairing. The level of protection provided by this security enhancement was rated ‘high’ by the Munich-based Fraunhofer Institute AISEC.

In hazardous areas, the devices can be inspected via operating keys when closed. Highly resistant materials protect the device against extreme process conditions and enable it to be used at high temperatures up to 450 deg C.

Ceramic process separation and an additional glass seal protect people and the environment from hazardous substances.

Only a measuring device with the correct parameters can ensure optimal processes during production, processing, and storage.

With the Micropilot, parameters are protected against inadvertent changes by the fact that a checksum (CRC) is always automatically generated from the safety-related parameters settings.

If only one safety-related setting is changed, the change is recorded immediately and logged. Systematic errors are thus eliminated, and test processes accelerated.

If the entire device needs to be replaced, parameters can be transferred safely and easily via the HistoROM mobile data unit.

INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND EXCEPTIONAL MEASUREMENT PERFORMANCE

Micropilot 80 GHz sensor offers intuitive operation

Not only does the 80-GHz Micropilot range offer the highest level of safety, the exceptional measurement performance of the newly developed radar chip also increases the productivity of industrial processes.

Technologies such as Heartbeat Technology, Ethernet-APL and the associated availability of real-time data play an important role here by minimising process interruptions.

The measuring devices easily cope with the high process pressures and temperatures that occur in reactors or reactor vessels.

The narrow beam angle and excellent signal focus ensure the highest possible level of accuracy even in large tanks and in the presence of agitators or heating coils.

Exceptional measurement results at ranges of up to 100 m are standard for the new product series.

Apart from measurement performance, a key factor in unlocking productivity gains is the Heartbeat Technology, which was developed by Endress+Hauser and is already available for a range of measuring principles such as flow, pressure, limit switches, temperature, and liquid analysis.

It provides reliable diagnostic and monitoring data and enables predictive maintenance due to constant monitoring of anomalies such as foam or buildup.

The patented Radar Accuracy Index (RAI) combined with Heartbeat verification now enables traceable verification according to DIN ISO 9001 for the first time, resulting in a significant reduction in the workload and costs associated with calibration and documentation.

Verification is performed directly in the measuring point in less than three minutes, without having to remove the device or interrupt the process.

High-precision snapshots of accuracy levels also allow calibration cycles to be significantly extended.

State-of-the-art communication options, such as Profibus PA, HART and the innovative Ethernet-APL, further increase plant availability.

The new technology makes it possible to use Ethernet directly in harsh process automation environments.

Ethernet-APL is an advanced physical layer for Ethernet. The technology meets all the requirements of process plants and essentially brings Ethernet and all its benefits into the field of process automation.

Ethernet-APL fully enables digitalisation in the process industry and in all life cycle phases.

Thanks to easy integration into asset management systems and smart self-diagnostics, plant shutdowns are largely avoided, and production output increased.

UNIVERSAL SOLUTION SIMPLIFIES PROCESSES IN EVERY RESPECT

The new generation of 80 GHz radar sensors for level measurement extends the operating range of this proven 80 GHz radar technology.

The broad product portfolio includes various housing versions for a range of installation situations.

Thanks to its compact design, single-chamber versions made of plastic or aluminum can be used in confined installation situations.

Furthermore, a remote display can be used for locations that are difficult to access. The same user interface is used across the entire range, does not require specific tools, and is tailored to the customer's needs.

The new Micropilot range simplifies level measurements in every respect. The devices are intuitive to use and can be operated remotely via the SmartBlue app.

To ensure that you are always aware of the measuring device condition and can take the required action, the device condition is displayed in accordance with NAMUR NE 107.

SUMMARY

The new range of 80 GHz radar meets the needs and requirements of users in a wide range of sectors and industries. It is easy to use with increased safety and productivity along with being future ready.